THE VENUE

GORDON GREENIDGE -- ON THE VENUE Bangladesh have arrived first in England to prepare for the World Cup next month - with coach Gordon Greenidge recognising the weather-factor that will play a part in the competition. The former West Indian batsman has been coaching the side for two years and believes there is a huge weather element to take into account when preparing for the World Cup programme. Greenidge said: "England must be in with a chance, because of the fact that it is so early in the summer. The tournament is very early and for many of the sides it will be difficult to get used to the conditions." He added: "When we left Dakha, it was 38 degrees and here it is minus one, so it shows you the change." Greenidge believes a tournament later in the summer might have benefitted his side more: "July would have been a better time to have the World Cup because the weather is more consistent. "It would be better for some of the other teams, because the pitches would not be so different from the ones they play on for the rest of the year." Bangladesh are intent on using the event as the first step to becoming a Test playing nation.

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